Discussion Topics for Today's Classroom

Microsoft battles US over warrant for drugs case emails

Microsoft is returning to court to continue its fight against the US government’s demand that it hand over emails stored at an Irish data centre. The messages involved are alleged to contain details of narcotics sales. In 2014, a court ruled in favour of the government’s claim that because it had jurisdiction over the US-based company, it could force it to hand over data it controlled, even if stored abroad. But Microsoft suggests that would put it in breach of privacy laws in the country where the data is stored.

1) “The stand-off is being viewed as a test case that will determine the extent of the US government’s powers over tech companies that offer cloud-based services.” This is not just about e-mail. What other sorts of data are kept by cloud services that the US government could claim access to if this case prevails in the US government’s favor?

2) The article notes that “Ireland has already said that it would consider such a request “expeditiously”.” This means if asked by the US Government, Ireland may give up the data pretty quickly. This might suggest that US companies should locate their data centers in countries that would not be so “expeditious” or might not honor the US government’s requests. What are the downsides, though, of locating data centers in non-US-friendly nations?